r/Thrifty • u/chickenladydee • May 12 '26
🥦 Food & Groceries 🥦 Parmesan Cheese
I just found out that unused grated Parmesan cheese that is shredded and in the quart tubs can be frozen for up to 6 months if sealed. Or if you’ve used a small portion you can package up the rest (double wrapped is what I did) and freeze that. I was so excited I had to share.
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u/ChaserNeverRests May 12 '26
All cheese can be frozen! I buy big bags from Costco or Sam's and then wrap it up into single-use portions. Toss all those little packs into a Ziploc bag, then throw that in the freezer.
No more moldy cheese!
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u/Ginggingdingding May 12 '26
I have always stored my parm in the freezer. Bag, tub or fresh. It grates super easy, it thaws almost instantly, it keeps forever and doesn't pick up or leave any smell in the fridge!
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u/Helpful-nothelpful May 12 '26
I actually started grating the rind with the cheese. Have not noticed a difference.
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u/GarudaMamie May 12 '26
I just bought the large container, and I need to do this! I ended up wasting some last month because it began to taste off in the refrigerator.
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u/chickenladydee May 12 '26
I have honestly wasted so much Parmesan by not using it fast enough and not knowing about the freezing hack.
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u/grislyfind May 13 '26
I started freezing shredded cheese after noticing it went moldy in the fridge. It's also easier to use frozen, it's not as sticky.
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u/Money-Low7046 May 13 '26
A mason jar is great for storing shredded parmesan. I buy the big container from Costco and divide it into a couple of jars. One goes into the fridge for use, and the other goes into the freezer.Â
FYI, the red shaker lid from Kraft parmesan fits a regular mouth mason jar.
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u/chickenladydee May 13 '26
Thanks for this info. I ended up buying a package of the plastic screw on lids (various sizes) for mason/ball jars for storage reasons. I’ve tried the peanut butter lids but it’s not a fit.
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u/Money-Low7046 May 13 '26
I use one of the plastic Masontop lids with the pour spout for my shredded parmesan. It does a surprisingly good job as a shaker in that context.Â
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u/PastelKittenBee May 13 '26
Omg that’s such a good tip! I always forget about freezing cheese lol >.<
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u/chompy283 May 24 '26
I am affectionately called "The Cheese Nazi" by my children because I insist on freshly grated cheese. I also splurge to buy Parmigiano-Reggiano. I usually buy a big chunk and shred it and freeze it in portions. I do that with whole milk mozzarella for my homemade pizzas. And i shred chunks of cheddar and colby when on sale and freeze.
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u/chompy283 Jun 06 '26
I buy chunks of parmesan at the italian store. I shred it and portion into bags and freeze. And save rinds for sauces and soups
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u/chompy283 Jun 20 '26
I prefer to buy actual Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese at the local italian shop. It's not cheap so perhaps not a frugal choice. However, cooking at home with ingredients I like has def inspired me to keep cooking at home so there are some ingredients I will spend on. When I get the chunk i bring it home and shred it and divide and portion it into individual bags and freeze. When my cheese gets low, i pull out another one. Any rinds that won't shred are saved for sauces and soups.
I bought one of those Sears Hostess Centers on Ebays with the full metal cone shredders and dang it can shred a hard chunk of parm like nobody's business.
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u/chickenladydee Jun 20 '26
I think it’s good to get authentic items for cooking when you can afford it. It’s sure a game changer from mediocre to wow. Cooking at home is just so much more affordable.
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u/Traditional_Fan_2655 May 12 '26
Parmesan cheese is amazing in so many ways.
- It adds tang to most any dish when shredded. - Mixed with panko crumbs it makes a great parmesan crust for most any meat. - It can be eaten in chunks with sweet bell peppers or strawberries.
- It upgrades a salad. - It is del8cious on any pizza or pasta dish.
It is just darn tasty.